Dallas-based Tailwater Capital has formed Tailwater Innovation Partners to support the $3.7 billion firm’s portfolio companies with ESG operational improvement.
Formerly known as Tailwater Technical Consulting, Tailwater Innovation is led by CEO Roger Fox, who also serves as head of ESG at Tailwater Capital, which launched its latest energy fund in 2020.
The new unit focuses on providing strategic guidance on three key areas — ESG, energy innovation and operational improvement. The team is set to specialize in due diligence, engineering advisory services, process design, asset optimization and project management.
“Tailwater Innovation Partners will provide superior partnership-based guidance on operational enhancement across our portfolio,” said Jason Downie, co-founder and managing partner of Tailwater Capital. “We are excited to leverage the cutting-edge insights, deep expertise in engineering and emissions management and technical execution capabilities Roger and the Tailwater Innovation team bring throughout all phases of project development, construction and operation.”
Fox originally joined Tailwater in 2021, but previously had been CEO of Elevate Midstream Partners I and II, both of which were backed by Tailwater. His experience though includes leading businesses in the upstream, midstream, LNG and power generation sectors.
“At Tailwater, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to give the businesses we partner with an edge, and to enable management teams to stay ahead of market trends and drive long-term, sustainable success,” said Edward Herring, co-founder and managing partner of Tailwater Capital. “We are confident that Roger and this best-in-class team will optimize and differentiate our portfolio, and we look forward to creating an even better return profile for our investors.”
Also joining Tailwater Innovation Partners were: Dana Sweet, director of energy innovation; Chris Hohman, director of technology; and Jon Determan, director of engineering.
Sweet has more than 18 years of service in the oil, gas and renewables sectors. Previously, she served as portfolio development manager, renewables and energy solutions at Shell, where she was responsible for pursuing and commercializing a number of emerging energy technologies and opportunities.
Hohman has over 15 years of experience in the energy sector. Previously, he served as the Pipeline Operations and Maintenance Manager at Air Liquide Large Industries, where he was responsible for Air Liquide’s oxygen, nitrogen, syngas, natural gas, steam and water pipeline networks. He also held engineering and commercial positions at Air Liquide’s new business technology and Gulf Coast pipeline businesses.
Determan has been in the energy sector for more than a decade, most recently as Engineering Manager at Elevate Midstream Partners I and II. Previously, he has held engineering and operations positions at Oasis Petroleum in both the upstream and downstream businesses.
